Statue Manbila Cameroun-nigeria
Tadep reliquary statue - Mambila - Nigeria
On the border of Nigeria and Cameroon, in the Donga valley, live the Mambila people. This is a population of farmers and breeders in “difficult” coexistence with the larger population of Fulani, nomadic breeders.
Many works were produced within the framework of Suaga, a system of masquerades and oaths accompanied by sacrifices.
Among them, we find zoomorphic masks, varied, polychrome and really very expressive.
Tadep statuettes were made by the Mambila or their neighbors.
It was thought that these were ancestor figures but it now seems that they were rather used for therapeutic purposes.
Courtesy of “Détours des mondes”
In the book "Mambilla" by Beth and Schwartz page 19, we learn that there are Tadep Dua (large) and Tadep.
Most will be painted in 3 colors, red, white, black, and will work and pairs, male / female
These statues will be kept in a small hut under the care of the dominant male of the clan. Their duration does not exceed one year then they are replaced by new ones.
The tadep are made of hard wood.
Other statuettes resemble them in soft wood, with a raffia stem core, the Kike. Usage still revolves around Suaga.
On the border of Nigeria and Cameroon, in the Donga valley, live the Mambila people. This is a population of farmers and breeders in “difficult” coexistence with the larger population of Fulani, nomadic breeders.
Many works were produced within the framework of Suaga, a system of masquerades and oaths accompanied by sacrifices.
Among them, we find zoomorphic masks, varied, polychrome and really very expressive.
Tadep statuettes were made by the Mambila or their neighbors.
It was thought that these were ancestor figures but it now seems that they were rather used for therapeutic purposes.
Courtesy of “Détours des mondes”
In the book "Mambilla" by Beth and Schwartz page 19, we learn that there are Tadep Dua (large) and Tadep.
Most will be painted in 3 colors, red, white, black, and will work and pairs, male / female
These statues will be kept in a small hut under the care of the dominant male of the clan. Their duration does not exceed one year then they are replaced by new ones.
The tadep are made of hard wood.
Other statuettes resemble them in soft wood, with a raffia stem core, the Kike. Usage still revolves around Suaga.
2 500 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Solid wood
Length: 68 cm
Width: 20 cm
Height: 68 cm
Reference (ID): 1736110
Availability: In stock
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